CentCom’s new head to fight insurgency

CEBU, Philippines — The new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Central Command vowed to fight insurgency and illegal drugs within his turf.

Major General Noel Clement officially assumed post yesterday and swore that he will continue to support the administration’s war on drugs.

“Ang lead is the PNP, ang support namin sa kanila is in terms of intelligence pag-identify sino ang targets and pag-identify saan sila nag-ooperate, especially the big druglords.  And then interdiction, kung saan may operations, na ang kalaban ay may malalakas na firepower, then we will assist the PNP in doing that,” he said.

Clement also said that Negros Oriental remains to be a problem area in the region and that intelligence mining will continue in order to dilute the presence of armed groups and discourage other armed struggle in the Visayas.

He said that both goals will be achieved by intensified coordination with the respective local government units.

“Lessen the capabilities of the enemies in the Visayas region…ang importante diri is to harness available resources and work together with the local government units. We cannot do it alone kay magbalik-balik lang ang problema,” he said.

He added that as compared to the threats in Mindanao area, the armed struggle in the Visayas has lesser presence.

“We have to make sure lang we have enough forces here, kasi Visayas  maraming islands, but if we work together we can achieve our goals, we just have to give the right direction,” he said.

Clement is part of the Philippine Military Academy Sandiwa Class of 1985 and was previously assigned as the commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division.

He replaced Lieutenant General Paul Atal, who will be promoted as Inspector General at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo Quezon City.

Atal served for more than 11 months, after he replaced retired Lt. General Oscar Lactao.

He said during the turnover ceremony yesterday that although he had a short stint, it has been a worthwhile stay, with accomplishments spanning from anti-drug crackdown, disaster response, insurgencies, and community rebuilding.

Atal had said that Lactao’s role will be a big shoe to fill - and as he bade farewell, he shared that the key to accomplishing many feats was to maintain the high morale of the men and women of AFP-CentCom.

During his stay, the AFP-CentCom helped seize P198 million worth of illegal drugs, P62 million worth of marijuana stalks, 60 low-powered firearms, 23 high-powered firearms, and arrested 28 communist rebels.

He also highlighted the AFP-CentCom’s assistance in evacuating 1,750 individuals in the Naga City landslide.

Moreover, he has promoted 40 personnel and 10 reserves while he conferred awards to 1726 enlisted personnel during his stint.

“Despite the limited resources and capacitating education, our peacemakers in the Visayas have achieved our mission, with character, competence and confidence,” Atal said.

Atal who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Maharlika Class of 1984, is set to retire in January next year.

The AFP Chief-of-Staff, General Carlito Martinez Jr., who was in the ceremonial turnover, expressed his confidence that the two military officials are competent to deliver the expected responsibilities of their job.

Martinez, in lieu to the insurgencies in the Negros Oriental part, said that there is no need to acquire more sophisticated weapons for warfare since armed rebels in the area are not as violent.

He said the best option would be holistic participation of the local governments to encourage rebels to surrender and turn a new leaf.

“Although may mga bago ng weapons ang na acquire this year, more of our operations will be on the soft approach.  Meaning, more on negotiations, and nakikita natin medyo mahina naman ang force nila dito, so there is no need for the augmentation of sophisticated resources,” Martinez said. — GAN (FREEMAN)